Kayaker found dead in boat on Isle of Wight beach

An unidentified kayaker has been found dead in his boat which was washed up on a beach in the Isle of Wight. The man, believed to be in his mid-30s, was discovered on Yaverland Beach in Sandown at around 7.20pm on Friday 11 September.

Coastguards and lifeboat crews had earlier launched a search for the man, who was reported missing after going for a paddle around the island.

An RNLI lifeboat from Bembridge on the Isle of Wight had been launched to assist the Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Rescue team and the coastguard rescue helicopter crew in their search for the missing man. However, the search was called off when the kayak was sighted, Sky News reports.

A spokesman for Hampshire Police said that the death was being treated as 'unexplained' until the results of a post mortem examination on his body were known.

"The body of a kayaker has been found on Yaverland Beach, Sandown," said the spokesman. "We were called at 7.20pm last night after the man, believed to be in his mid-30s, was found still in the kayak.

"The identity of the deceased is not known at this time." The death is currently being treated as unexplained and inquiries are in hand to establish the circumstances. A post mortem examination will be conducted to determine cause of death.

"Anyone with any information which can help the investigation is asked to ring 101 and ask for Newport CID."

An inquest into the man's death is expected to be opened early next week.